NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), neutralized two high-ranking individuals of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) during an encounter in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur on February 12, 2025.

An incident report showed that troops from the 3SFBn received a tip from concerned citizens that an armed group was engaged in an illegal activity in their community. Troops immediately responded, leading to a skirmish where two ranking CTG members were killed. They were identified as Larry Garcia, alias Joven, the Commanding Officer of Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and his Vice Commanding Officer, alias Gaga/Garing. In a subsequent pursuit operation, troops recovered two backpacks, a Baofeng commercial radio, medical supplies, and subversive documents.

EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Luis Rex D. Bergante PA commended the troops for their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts to eradicate CTG atrocities in the Caraga Region.

“Your commitment to the mission to eliminate CTG atrocities in our Joint Operational Area, particularly in the Caraga Region, deserves applause. Your efforts have significantly weakened the CTG’s influence, paving the way for lasting peace and development in our communities. Once again, I would like to reiterate our call on the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle, and choose a peaceful life with their families. The government remains steadfast in its efforts to support those who wish to reintegrate into society, ensuring a better future for all. Peace is always the best path forward,” LtGen. Bergante said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) successfully neutralized a high-ranking Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) leader during an encounter in Sitio Tagulahi, Brgy. Pianing, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on February 12.

According to the report from the 901st Infantry Brigade, troops promptly responded to the information provided by concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed individuals engaging in illegal activities in the area which resulted to an armed encounter. The neutralized CNT was identified as Myrna Sularte alias “Maria Malaya” and “Ka Iyay”, who served as the Secretary of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and Political Bureau Member of the Central Committee, Communist Party of the Philippines and Executive Committee of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID).

Myrna Sularte was the widow of the late Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, a prominent figure in the New People's Army (NPA) National Operations Command (NOC), who was killed in October 2021 in an encounter against government forces in Bukidnon. Sularte operated in the Caraga Region and Northern Mindanao, where she was responsible for numerous atrocities, including the killing of civilians, destruction of government projects, and other terroristic activities across Surigao and Agusan Provinces. A native of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, she is one of the most wanted NPA leaders in the country. She also had multiple criminal charges, including Murder, Multiple Murders, Frustrated Murder, Robbery with Double Homicide, Destruction of Property, and other criminal offenses.

Meanwhile, EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Luis Rex D. Bergante PA commended the unwavering dedication of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond troops and the invaluable support of civilians, which culminated in the successful operation that resulted in the demise of "Maria Malaya". He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the slain CTG leader and called on the remaining CNTs to abandon their armed struggle and surrender peacefully.

"It is unfortunate that things had to end this way. Over the past few months, we have made numerous attempts to reach out to her. In fact, just last week, we presented 232 former rebels with their surrendered firearms to the Special Assistant to the President (SAP), Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. However, the death of alias "Maria Malaya" marks the conclusion of countless atrocities perpetrated by the CTG that span decades, particularly in Caraga region. 

This also highlights the Command's unwavering commitment to support those who choose the path of peace. Through various forms of government assistance, we are helping them reintegrate into mainstream society and offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives for a brighter future," LtGen. Bergante said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐀, 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) hosted its traditional New Year's Call to EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Luis Rex D. Bergante PA, on January 13.

The event was attended by Commanders from various Joint Task Forces (JTFs) and Brigades, accompanied by their spouses, as well as Officers from Operational Control and Post Units, including Chiefs of Offices, Staff Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources under EastMinCom.

The New Year's Call, a cherished annual tradition, provided an opportunity for the Command to celebrate its achievements, upholding its Core Values of safeguarding the people and the State and reaffirming its dedication to the AFP's vision of becoming a world-class Armed Forces and a Source of National Pride.

Commodore Dwight Steven M. Dulnoan PN(M), the newly installed EastMinCom Deputy Commander, formally welcomed everyone at the event and emphasized the profound sense of purpose upon which EastMinCom stands.

"This New Year's Call isn't just another event on the calendar; it's a celebration of our shared ikigai – our mission and dedication to the peace and security of Eastern Mindanao. This is where the heart of EastMinCom beats strongest. What the Command achieved together this past year, especially on the success of our internal security operations, was a testament to the bravery and dedication of our joint task forces and the innovative strategies developed by our staff officers," Commodore Dulnoan stated.

Meanwhile, leading the traditional New Year's toast, LtGen. Bergante expressed his gratitude to the Commanders who have taken the lead in the frontlines, whose leadership has become the driving force behind the Command's successes and highlighted the Command's achievements for the past years.

"I enjoin everyone to continue fulfilling our mandate as the protector of the State and the Filipino. While our labors for the past year delighted us with many meaningful victories, let us be reminded that there is more to be done. May we all offer our utmost dedication to service as we aim directly towards accomplishing our operational and institutional targets," LtGen Bergante said.#⁩

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 in Eastern Mindanao concluded as a remarkable testament to unity and peace.